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The Marine Chamber Orchestra performed the concert "Romantics," featuring the music of Robert and Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms on Sunday, March 6, at Northern Virginia Community College's Schlesinger Concert Hall. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Rust/released) - The Marine Chamber Orchestra performed the concert "Romantics," featuring the music of Robert and Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms on Sunday, March 6, at Northern Virginia Community College's Schlesinger Concert Hall. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Rust/released)

Monday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m., Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, Md. - The best film scores in history pack an emotional power such that the music itself has transcended the moving pictures they were originally created to accompany. Many of these famous themes were composed by a group of distinguished international composers who came to Hollywood to ply their trade in the movies, and the sweeping symphonic scores they provided have since proven equally effective in performance on the concert stage. This special concert highlights music from films that span nearly 75 years, from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the cinema of our time, anchored by some of the greatest film music ever written in John Williams’ score to Star Wars. In addition to featuring some of the series’ iconic themes, this special concert will include brand new music from the recently released episode Star Wars: The Force Awakens. **Free tickets required and are limited to two per request. Tickets can be requested from the Strathmore Box Office at: https://www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/us-marine-band - Monday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m., Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, Md. - The best film scores in history pack an emotional power such that the music itself has transcended the moving pictures they were originally created to accompany. Many of these famous themes were composed by a group of distinguished international composers who came to Hollywood to ply their trade in the movies, and the sweeping symphonic scores they provided have since proven equally effective in performance on the concert stage. This special concert highlights music from films that span nearly 75 years, from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the cinema of our time, anchored by some of the greatest film music ever written in John Williams’ score to Star Wars. In addition to featuring some of the series’ iconic themes, this special concert will include brand new music from the recently released episode Star Wars: The Force Awakens. **Free tickets required and are limited to two per request. Tickets can be requested from the Strathmore Box Office at: https://www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/us-marine-band

ROMANTICS: Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. The musical and personal lives of Romantic composers Robert and Clara Schumann and their contemporary Johannes Brahms were inextricably intertwined. At their very first meeting, Robert invited the relatively unknown twenty-year-old Brahms to his piano and was so taken that he ran to get his wife, Clara, to hear what he described as “genius.” That night Clara took to her diary, writing, “Here is one who comes as if sent from God.” Thereafter, Robert served as Brahms’ mentor, dear friend, and unabashed supporter, even calling him “the next Beethoven.” Following Robert Schumann’s tragic suicide attempt and committal to an asylum several months later, Brahms vowed to stay with Clara until Robert’s recovery. In the intervening two and a half years until Robert’s death at age 46, Brahms realized he had found his “one great love” in Clara. The two never married, Brahms instead choosing to live by the motto “Frei Aber Einsam” [Lonely but Free]. Their unconsummated relationship continued for 40 years until Clara’s death in 1896. Stricken with grief, Brahms was physically unable to attend her funeral procession. After her burial, Brahms took ill and followed Clara to the grave less than 11 months later. The three composers’ mutual love and influence lives on in their music. The concert is free, no tickets are required. Free parking is available. - ROMANTICS: Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. The musical and personal lives of Romantic composers Robert and Clara Schumann and their contemporary Johannes Brahms were inextricably intertwined. At their very first meeting, Robert invited the relatively unknown twenty-year-old Brahms to his piano and was so taken that he ran to get his wife, Clara, to hear what he described as “genius.” That night Clara took to her diary, writing, “Here is one who comes as if sent from God.” Thereafter, Robert served as Brahms’ mentor, dear friend, and unabashed supporter, even calling him “the next Beethoven.” Following Robert Schumann’s tragic suicide attempt and committal to an asylum several months later, Brahms vowed to stay with Clara until Robert’s recovery. In the intervening two and a half years until Robert’s death at age 46, Brahms realized he had found his “one great love” in Clara. The two never married, Brahms instead choosing to live by the motto “Frei Aber Einsam” [Lonely but Free]. Their unconsummated relationship continued for 40 years until Clara’s death in 1896. Stricken with grief, Brahms was physically unable to attend her funeral procession. After her burial, Brahms took ill and followed Clara to the grave less than 11 months later. The three composers’ mutual love and influence lives on in their music. The concert is free, no tickets are required. Free parking is available.

During the month of March, “The President’s Own” will again host “Sousa’s March Mania,” a free tournament pitting 32 marches against each other for the Marine Band online community to determine which one is the favorite. Every day from March 7 – April 6, marches will compete head to head while fans vote which ones advance in the tournament. A great resource for school curriculum, participants can listen to and study the marches, as well as vote for their favorites. If you get a perfect bracket, please notify Marine Band Public Affairs on April 7 through social media or by email at marineband.publicaffairs@usmc.mil to be crowned an honorary “March King.” The competition begins March 7, so download your bracket now from the Marine Band website! - During the month of March, “The President’s Own” will again host “Sousa’s March Mania,” a free tournament pitting 32 marches against each other for the Marine Band online community to determine which one is the favorite. Every day from March 7 – April 6, marches will compete head to head while fans vote which ones advance in the tournament. A great resource for school curriculum, participants can listen to and study the marches, as well as vote for their favorites. If you get a perfect bracket, please notify Marine Band Public Affairs on April 7 through social media or by email at marineband.publicaffairs@usmc.mil to be crowned an honorary “March King.” The competition begins March 7, so download your bracket now from the Marine Band website!

BANDING TOGETHER: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - All of the works on this creative concert program tell the tale of partnerships; those that are told by the music itself and those that bring it to life on the concert stage. Included are two world premières: internationally lauded conductor and composer Gerard Schwarz’s new transcription of his tone poem Rudolf and Jeanette and a substantial new transcription for band of Percy Grainger’s imaginary ballet The Warriors.CHARACTER PIECES: Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - Music has the remarkable ability to portray the character of someone or something. This quality is exemplified in the cornerstone of this program, Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite depicting the astrological character of the planets.Both concerts are free with no tickets required. - BANDING TOGETHER: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - All of the works on this creative concert program tell the tale of partnerships; those that are told by the music itself and those that bring it to life on the concert stage. Included are two world premières: internationally lauded conductor and composer Gerard Schwarz’s new transcription of his tone poem Rudolf and Jeanette and a substantial new transcription for band of Percy Grainger’s imaginary ballet The Warriors. CHARACTER PIECES: Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - Music has the remarkable ability to portray the character of someone or something. This quality is exemplified in the cornerstone of this program, Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite depicting the astrological character of the planets. Both concerts are free with no tickets required.

On Feb. 13, 2016, flute player Mei Stone of Waco, Texas, won the Marine Band Concerto Competition and received a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Runner up was French horn player Camron Bryant of Phenix City, Ala. Mei is a senior at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and will return on April 10 to perform the Chaminade Concertino for Flute with the Marine Band. - On Feb. 13, 2016, flute player Mei Stone of Waco, Texas, won the Marine Band Concerto Competition and received a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Runner up was French horn player Camron Bryant of Phenix City, Ala. Mei is a senior at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and will return on April 10 to perform the Chaminade Concertino for Flute with the Marine Band.

BANDING TOGETHER: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - All of the works on this creative concert program tell the tale of partnerships; those that are told by the music itself and those that bring it to life on the concert stage. Included are two world premières: internationally lauded conductor and composer Gerard Schwarz’s new transcription of his tone poem Rudolf and Jeanette and a substantial new transcription for band of Percy Grainger’s imaginary ballet The Warriors.CHARACTER PIECES: Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - Music has the remarkable ability to portray the character of someone or something. This quality is exemplified in the cornerstone of this program, Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite depicting the astrological character of the planets.Both concerts are free with no tickets required. - BANDING TOGETHER: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - All of the works on this creative concert program tell the tale of partnerships; those that are told by the music itself and those that bring it to life on the concert stage. Included are two world premières: internationally lauded conductor and composer Gerard Schwarz’s new transcription of his tone poem Rudolf and Jeanette and a substantial new transcription for band of Percy Grainger’s imaginary ballet The Warriors. CHARACTER PIECES: Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. EST, NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - Music has the remarkable ability to portray the character of someone or something. This quality is exemplified in the cornerstone of this program, Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite depicting the astrological character of the planets. Both concerts are free with no tickets required.

Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. EST, Sousa Band Hall, Washington, DC - High school students from around the nation were selected for the Marine Band Concerto Competition final round, which will be presented as a recital open to the public, with light refreshments following the performances. The winner will be invited to perform his or her solo in concert with the Marine Band on April 10 and will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. EST, Sousa Band Hall, Washington, DC - Coordinated by Master Gunnery Sgt. Jay Niepoetter and Master Sgt. Michelle Urzynicok, this all-clarinet program will feature jazz, klezmer, and contemporary and classical works. The performance will begin with solo clarinet followed by clarinet duet, quartet, and quintet. The concert’s second half will include the entire Marine Band clarinet section performing works by Gioachino Rossini, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Both concerts are free with no tickets required, and both will also stream live on the Marine Band website. - Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. EST, Sousa Band Hall, Washington, DC - High school students from around the nation were selected for the Marine Band Concerto Competition final round, which will be presented as a recital open to the public, with light refreshments following the performances. The winner will be invited to perform his or her solo in concert with the Marine Band on April 10 and will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. EST, Sousa Band Hall, Washington, DC - Coordinated by Master Gunnery Sgt. Jay Niepoetter and Master Sgt. Michelle Urzynicok, this all-clarinet program will feature jazz, klezmer, and contemporary and classical works. The performance will begin with solo clarinet followed by clarinet duet, quartet, and quintet. The concert’s second half will include the entire Marine Band clarinet section performing works by Gioachino Rossini, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Both concerts are free with no tickets required, and both will also stream live on the Marine Band website.

Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m., NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - Franz Josef Haydn’s Symphony No. 96 and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 were so legendary they each earned nicknames the composers could never have imagined. Composed within a few years of one another, Haydn’s The Miracle and Mozart’s Jupiter captured the ears, hearts, and minds of their audiences and took on lives of their own. These composers and their symphonies are just as relevant today as they were in the 1780s. The program also features soloist Gunnery Sgt. Elisabeth Plunk performing Danish composer Carl Nielsen’s Flute Concerto. The concert is free and no tickets are required. - Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m., NOVA, Alexandria, Va. - Franz Josef Haydn’s Symphony No. 96 and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 were so legendary they each earned nicknames the composers could never have imagined. Composed within a few years of one another, Haydn’s The Miracle and Mozart’s Jupiter captured the ears, hearts, and minds of their audiences and took on lives of their own. These composers and their symphonies are just as relevant today as they were in the 1780s. The program also features soloist Gunnery Sgt. Elisabeth Plunk performing Danish composer Carl Nielsen’s Flute Concerto. The concert is free and no tickets are required.

Sunday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m., Alexandria, Va. - Do we ever let go of our childhood dreams? The mind of a child overflows with imagination, wonder, fantasy, fear, ambition, and limitless possibilities. With music evoking a flight to Neverland, a jump into outer space, the complicated dreamscape of the resting young mind, the thrill of a first experience, and the discovery of an aspiration, this program dusts off the invincible childhood magic and mystery that resides deep within each of us. Conducted by Marine Band Assistant Director 1st Lt. Ryan J. Nowlin, the program includes John Williams’ Flight to Neverland, Percy Grainger’s Children’s March, “Over the Hills and Far Away,” and David Maslanka’s A Child’s Garden of Dreams. The concert is free and no tickets are required. - Sunday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m., Alexandria, Va. - Do we ever let go of our childhood dreams? The mind of a child overflows with imagination, wonder, fantasy, fear, ambition, and limitless possibilities. With music evoking a flight to Neverland, a jump into outer space, the complicated dreamscape of the resting young mind, the thrill of a first experience, and the discovery of an aspiration, this program dusts off the invincible childhood magic and mystery that resides deep within each of us. Conducted by Marine Band Assistant Director 1st Lt. Ryan J. Nowlin, the program includes John Williams’ Flight to Neverland, Percy Grainger’s Children’s March, “Over the Hills and Far Away,” and David Maslanka’s A Child’s Garden of Dreams. The concert is free and no tickets are required.